Says Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson, II, who received education at Johnson C. Smith University

Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II

February 11, 2017

LOUISVILLE – In a newly published video message, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Stated Clerk the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II says the mission of PC(USA)-related racial ethnic schools and colleges “are more critical now than they’ve ever been.”

Video Embed:  https://vimeo.com/195320858

Reflecting on “the society and world that we’re living in today,” where “rancor and discord are leading our political forces,” Nelson recalled how important and valuable the education he received at Johnson C. Smith University was for him personally.

“These Presbyterian-supported schools and colleges have an ethos grounded in spirituality and religious education,” he says, “that invites rigorous dialogue and exchange and disagreement.”

At Johnson C. Smith, Nelson learned in so many ways what cross-cultural and cross-racial relationships—which helped him grow and prepare himself for the world—meant and what these racial-ethnic schools and colleges continue to do.

“How do people see that we are bonded together, and in relationship with one another, just by the linking of the Creator of our lives?” asks Nelson. “As the world shifts and goes in another direction, these schools remain very much focused on the historical role of mission of cultivating the whole person.”

Paul Seebeck, mission communications strategist, Presbyterian News Service

Today’s Focus:  Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges

Let us join in prayer for:

Johnson C. Smith University
Dr. Ronald L. Carter, 13th president

Knoxville College
Dr. Horace A. Judson, interim president

Menaul School
Lindsey R. Gilbert, Jr., president and head of school

Presbyterian Pan American School
Doug Dalglish, president

Stillman College
Peter Edmund Millet, 6th president

PC(USA) Mission Co-workers

Cathy Chang, Philippines
Juan Lopez, Philippines

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Valerie Small, OGA
Melody Smith, PMA

Let us pray:

O God, renew in us a right spirit and the courage to receive your gift of unity. Amen.

Daily Readings

Morning Psalms 104; 149
First Reading Isaiah 61:10 – 62:5
Second Reading 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Gospel Reading Mark 10:46-52
Evening Psalms 138; 98